Sorrow

Origin

Middle English sorow, from Old English sorg; akin to Old High German sorga sorrow

• before 12th Century

Definitions

• 1a : deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved

b : resultant unhappy or unpleasant state <to their great sorrow they could not marry>

• 2: a cause of grief or sadness
• 3: a display of grief or sadness

Description

Sorrow is an emotion, feeling, or sentiment. Sorrow 'is more "intense" than sadness...it implies a long term state'. At the same time 'sorrow - but not unhappiness - suggests a degree of resignation...which lends sorrow its peculiar air of dignity'. Sorrow can be said to be half way between sadness (accepting) and distress (not accepting)'.

See also

• Lamentation
• Melancholy
• Sadness